The care of a foster child; the charge of nursing.

The practice of sending one's child to live with another family, if the birthparents are unable or unwilling to care for the child. Among high-ranking Holders, they often foster their heirs out in an exchange system with other Holders, so that the heirs may learn the ins and outs of running a Hold.

Fosterage was a traditional custom in the Hebrides. A laird, a man of wealth and eminence, sends his child, either male or female, to a tacksman or tenant to be fostered. It is not always his own tenant, but some distant friend that obtains this honour; for an honour such a trust is very reasonably thought.

raising someone to be an accepted member of the community; "they debated whether nature or nurture was more important"

encouragement; aiding the development of something